From Concept to Action: Towards a Generalizable Model for Implementing Sustainable Supply Chain Management in Practice

Sustainability within Supply Chain Management (SCM) is increasingly critical due to mounting environmental, social, and competitive demands related to innovation, risk management, and financial outcomes. This paper seeks to delineate, develop, and clarify actionable steps for implementing robust and generalizable sustainable—or green—supply chains in practical contexts. Utilizing a mixed-methods research design, this thesis applies empirically validated concepts that are both theoretically sound and readily applicable across a broad spectrum of supply chain environments, industries, and regions. The research employs an explanatory sequential approach, initiating with a quantitative phase where group concept mapping (GCM), multidimensional scaling (MDS), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) generate a comprehensive set of concepts. These are informed by interviews with corporate supply chain managers and industry experts, resulting in a hierarchical framework of end-to-end supply chain practices and hypotheses regarding their feasibility and long-term impact on sustainability. The findings present a prioritized decision-making matrix that evaluates expected investment and potential impact across a range of practices, further substantiated through analytical tools such as Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Value Chain Analysis (VC), and Causal Loop Diagramming (CLD). Pattern matching highlights distinctions between emerging and developed markets, as well as among various supply chain segments—considerations crucial for informed decision-making. Subsequently, the qualitative strand comprises two action research (AR) case studies employing a robust methodology tailored specifically to supply chain management. By examining supply chains from multiple perspectives—including structure, geography, maturity level, and industry sector—this study transcends traditional empirical or single-dimensional analyses. The mixed-methods strategy offers a multi-faceted perspective, integrating empirical rigor and conceptual foundations with nuanced, contextual insights derived from real-time business scenarios.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• McDaniel, Thompson

• Vállalati vezetés és politika
• Logisztika, termelésszervezés
• Ökológia

Language dc:language

en